Category Archives: Issues
February 2019
How Well Did You Read This Issue?
Test your knowledge of information from this issue of Lower Extremity Review and the world in general with our new crossword puzzle feature. The answer box can be found online at lermagazine.com Continue reading
February 2019
New Sandal Toe Footshell
Endolite’s new Sandal Toe Footshell offers a more natural look and provides flexibility of footwear choice with its enhanced sandal toe design. It is available in both a Light and Dark shade to help better match skin tones and offers additional width options, helping consumers to find the perfect fit. The new Endolite Sandal Toe Footshell is available as standard on a range of prosthetic products including… Continue reading
February 2019
Spark Kinetic Knee Sleeve
Brownmed has launched the Spark Kinetic Sleeves product line, which blends attributes of compression with kinesiology taping to help improve circulation, enhance performance, and add support when performing daily activities. The easy-to-use sleeves are comfortable and reusable. They do not leave sticky residue when removed, as can happen with kinesiology tape. Continue reading
February 2019
Bauerfeind, NBA Enter Global Licensing Partnership
Bauerfeind, a provider of sports and medical knee supports, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have entered into a new, multiyear, global licensing partnership, making Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain NBA an officially-licensed knee support of the league. The knee support became available at sports retail locations and through the company’s website in December. Continue reading
February 2019
Algeos Named Exclusive Distributor for Voxelcare in the UK, Ireland
Algeos, Liverpool, England, a distributor in the orthopedic, orthotic, and prosthetic markets, has been named the exclusive distributor for software and engineering company Voxelcare, Elche, Spain. Voxelcare has 18 years of experience developing industrial applications ranging from special purpose CAD/CAM systems for shoe lasts and custom orthotics, contact and non-contact 3D- and 2D- scanning devices, industrial vision, and CNC systems. Continue reading
February 2019
PDAC Contract Transitioned to Palmetto GBA
The Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) contract transitioned from Noridian Healthcare Solutions to Palmetto GBA, effective January 15. All transition-related communications are being provided by Palmetto GBA via its website, palmettogba.com/PDAC. The website URL, dmepdac.com, will remain unchanged. While the website design has changed, the same types of information available have remained on this website. Continue reading
February 2019
FDA Approves Knee Implant IDE, Clears Bio-Integrative Bone Fixation Implant
The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application for Swedish-based Episurf Medical’s Episealer personalized knee implant and has granted 510(k) (premarket submission) clearance to Israeli-based OSSIO Ltd.’s bio-integrative material indicated “for maintenance of alignment and fixation of… Continue reading
February 2019
Sand Color Therafirm Ease Microfiber Tights
Therafirm, a Knit-Rite brand that includes the Ease Opaque, Ease Sheer, and Ease Microfiber lines of compression hosiery, has introduced a new color to its Ease Microfiber Tights line: sand. Like the previously released colors, the new sand-color tights are made with high-stretch microfiber yarns, making them easier to don than some other high-compression garments. Continue reading
February 2019
Non-Opioid, Wearable Pain-Relief Solution
BioWaveGO is a non-opioid, FDA-cleared, wearable chronic pain–relief technology. It is used by most professional sports teams in the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB as well as by US military members and veterans in over 80 VA hospitals. BioWaveGO uses high-frequency neurostimulation technology to block pain at the source. Now available in a non-prescription strength, this… Continue reading
February 2019
New Apex A-Wave Orthotics in Three Durometers
Apex Foot Health Industries welcomes the A-Wave to its suite of prefabricated orthotic inserts. A-Wave orthotics use a proprietary biomechanical blend of thermoplastic resins, performance memory foam, and supportive gels to provide pain relief and stability while maximizing comfort and foot health. Construction includes Visco elastic polymer in the heel and forefoot for shock attenuation, and a thermoplastic heel and arch support to assist in centering the heel. Continue reading
February 2019
Cybersecurity Takes Top Spot on ECRI’s Annual Health Technology Hazards List
ECRI Institute (formerly the Emergency Care Research Institute) has published the “2019 Top 10 Health Technology Hazards” report as a free service to inform healthcare facilities about generic hazards that may arise from the use of medical devices and systems — all of which can be minimized or avoided. Continue reading
February 2019
New Colors for Sigvaris Graduated Compression Garments
Sigvaris North America has added new colors to some of its graduated compression product lines for garments aiding in the management of early-stage venous diseases and pre- and post-vein treatments. Micofiber Shades socks now come in navy argyle and onyx argyle, for a total of 14 color and pattern options. Soft Opaque now includes colors teal, blue iris, caramel, and mist, for a total of 11 color options. Continue reading
February 2019
Alliance PT Sells LTC Division
Alliance Physical Therapy Management (Alliance PT) , which is backed by GPB Capital, sold its long-term care (LTC) division to HealthPRO® Heritage, a portfolio company of the private equity firm Beecken Petty O’Keefe. The terms of the sale were not disclosed. Continue reading
February 2019
Reinforcement Learning Expedites Tuning of Robotic Prostheses
When an individual is fitted with a robotic prosthetic knee, a practitioner works with that person to modify parameters to specifically accommodate their gait, a process that can take hours. Now, a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe; North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh; and the University of North Carolina at… Continue reading
February 2019
OPTP Soft Movement Ball
OPTP has added the Soft Movement Ball to its lineup of therapy and fitness products. The Soft Movement Ball is an inflatable 12″ exercise ball with an easy-grip texture. It is designed to assist with body positioning during stretching and stability moves and can be used to perform a variety of movements that increase strength and mobility during physical therapy, Pilates, and general fitness routines. Continue reading
February 2019
2019 DMEPOS Fee Schedule Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has made available the 2019 fee schedule for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The fee schedule is effective for dates of service beginning January 1. A 2.3% increase has been applied to DMEPOS items that are not part of the Competitive Bidding Program. Continue reading
February 2019
Shear Alpine Boots
Some boots are warm. Some boots offer great traction. And other boots are just eye candy. Samuel Hubbard offers a new boot that encompasses all three distinctions. The Shear Alpine is fabricated from water-resistant Nubuck uppers and designed with a genuine shearling lining and collar for warmth and comfort. Buttery-soft glove leather sock linings provide comfort and breathability. Continue reading
February 2019
Conservative Management of Freiberg’s Disease
Key options include immobilization, weight bearing restrictions, NSAIDS, orthotics, padding, and shoe modifications. The first report of osteochondrosis of the second metatarsal head was in a series of six cases presented by Dr. Alfred H. Freiberg at the Southern Surgical and Gynecological Association in 1913. The data was published the following year.
By Kerry Sweet, DPM, FACFAS; Rebecca Omana-Daniels, DPM; and Valerie Marmolejo, DPM Continue reading
February 2019
Gait and Balance Dysfunction in Older Adults: Challenges and Interventions
Falls are a significant—yet preventable—health issue among older adults. Each year, 3 million older Americans over the age of 65 are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries which often result in disability, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and death.1 The number of falls is expected to rise as Americans live longer and the number of older adults continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.
By Aisha Cobbs, PhD Continue reading
February 2019
Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults Now Available
The 2019 AGS Beers Criteria® includes 5 lists of nearly 100 medications or medication classes to avoid or use with caution for some or all older adults. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recently unveiled its latest update to one of geriatrics’ most frequently cited reference tools: The AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate… Continue reading
February 2019
Anterior Femoral Ligament Thickening Seen 3 Years Post-ACL Surgery
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects nearly 50% of patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) within 2 decades after surgery. The mechanism of OA development has been elusive; many experts theorize that disruption of knee–joint tissue homeostasis is key. Now, researchers, using ultrasonography (US), have found an increase in the thickness of the anterior femoral cartilage and cross-sectional area 3 years postoperatively. Continue reading
February 2019
Compression in Lymphedema
In a narrative review of old and innovative concepts concerning pressure and stiffness in lymphedema therapy, the authors of a study just published in Phlebology found that the current literature does not appear to be in sync with the array of options available today. Continue reading
February 2019
Diabetes Updates: Amputations Increasing; Insomnia as Risk Factor
Amputations on the Rise – After decades of decline, diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations appear to be on the rise in the United States, according to new data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the US Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and the National Health Interview Survey of the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Continue reading
February 2019
Bringing Medical Cannabis Into Skilled Nursing Facilities
When New York state legalized medical cannabis, geriatrician Zachary Palace, MD, CMD, realized that many of the conditions that qualified for the drug were those that he saw regularly in the elderly—like chronic or neuropathic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
By Nicole Wetsman Continue reading
February 2019
The Power of a ‘Sit to Stand’: An Infographic
Infographic by Chris Tuckett, Physiotherapist BSc MCSP. Tuckett is based in The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, based in Harlow, Essex, UK. Based on: Harvey JA, Chastin SFM, Skelton DA. Breaking sedentary behaviour has the potential to increase/maintain function in frail older adults. J Frailty Sarcopenia Falls. 2018;3(1):26-34. doi: 10.22540/JFSF-03-026.
